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Review

2008
Dodge
Viper Review

A great choice for anyone looking for excessive power and good handling from a high-performance vehicle.

Reviewed by Automotive on
6/26/2008

Overview

The 2008 Dodge Viper doesn’t mess around. It offers way more power than anyone could possibly need, and it has a body that lets everyone know it. The Viper comes as a coupe or a convertible. The ACR package should be highly considered, as it adds features like a high-mounted wing on the tail, a carbon-fiber aerodynamic front splitter, and 14-way adjustable shocks. But consumers don't need the ACR package to have fun in the 2008 Dodge Viper. It comes with an 8.4-liter, V-10 engine that can hit 200 mph on a straight road.

The Range

What's New

Dodge took a one-year hiatus before releasing the 2008 Viper. That brief period yielded several important changes. The 2008 Dodge Viper has a more powerful V-10 engine, a new hood styling that makes it look like a real sports car, and several new color options.

Exterior

The Viper makes no bones about looking beautiful and intimidating. It has a distinctive style that screams, ""high-performance sports car."" Unlike some cars, this beauty can back up the talk.

Interior

Although the 2008 Dodge Viper has clearly been designed for power and looks, it also has an impressive interior, especially if you choose to add one of the many packages. Coupe and convertible styles come standard with full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, and a seven-speaker stereo system that boasts 300-watts of power and a six-disc CD changer. The interior might feel a little cramped to people reaching six feet, but that's expected of a two-seater like the Viper.

If consumers are used to a lot of luxury features, then the 2008 Viper may disappoint. This isn't the kind of car that pampers with heated seats. It does, however, have optional satellite radio and navigation.

Performance & Handling

The 2008 Dodge Viper was built to offer more power than just about any other car on the road. An 8.4-liter ,V-10 engine pumps out 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. If those numbers don't mean a lot to you, just consider this: the Viper can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and it can clear a quarter-mile track in 11.8 seconds.

The energetic engine pushes vibrations into the cockpit, and drivers can expect loud pops from the exhaust. It's certainly not for drivers with jumpy dispositions. The 2008 Dodge Viper has precise steering that lets it handle curves rather easily. Set it on a test course, and drivers can weave in and out of obstacles. Multiple curves, however, can start to feel a little awkward.

This is a high performance car that focuses on power more than anything else. Because of this, the 2008 Dodge Viper offers excellent handling.

Safety

The 2008 Dodge Viper doesn't offer much in the way of safety features. Consumers won't find stability control, traction control, or side airbags. It does, however, offer front airbags with multistage deployment and occupant sensors. It also has an impressive four-wheel anti-lock disc braking system. Moving at 60 mpg, the Viper can stop in a mere 104 feet.

EPA Fuel Economy

Viper SRT-10: 13/22 mpg

You'll Like

Fast acceleration

Good suspension

Ergonomic seats

Exclusivity

Professional braking system

You Won't Like

No stability control

No side airbags

Not a daily driver

Sum Up

A great choice for anyone looking for excessive power and good handling from a high-performance vehicle.